The modern era of orthotics

Abstract

The past 40 years has seen the field of orthotics change from a craft-based industry into a modern clinical specialty. The author describes his personal view of some of the most important developments during this period in the areas of manufacturing and materials, patient/orthosis matching, biomechanics, joint design and standards. Some likely areas of future development are suggested.

Keywords:

• Orthotics
• biomechanics
• prescription criteria
• standards